So, I lost my beloved Bullmastiff, Bobby, 6 years ago and have been unable to replace him as my conditions make it impossible for me to care for another dog full-time. However, this has been tempered by my bond with Jasper, my daughter's Border Collie. I usually get to see him every couple of months and look after him for a week (with help from my ex) twice a year.
But now my daughter is moving and Jasper is with me for a whole MONTH! He is the only creature, human or animal, that I can stand touching me - the searing pains seem somehow diminished as my serotonin levels rise. Perhaps it will be a good month.
Does anyone else find that the touch of their pet brings about physical or mental wellbeing?

Yes, pets are the best medicine.

Sadly, I am no longer physically capable of caring for the high energy dogs I always enjoyed. I do think I could manage a Greyhound - they are so lazy.
.
However, my hubby no longer wants dogs.
.


We have been adopted by stray cat. I never thought of myself as a cat person, but she has really bonded with me. In fact, she is making it hard to type this post.
.


Have you considered adopting a retired racing Greyhound? They are recommended for the disabled.
.

Being in Yorkshire I considered a Greyhound a few years ago. I know they are suitably lazy, as was Bobby, but it's the daily things like cleaning up and food prep that my body and arthritic hands won't do. Then there's the Big Thing, dropping dead from a heart attack or stroke and leaving the poor boy needing re-homing… Still, I could always get a St. Bernard so it wouldn't matter - my daughter has been nagging her husband for one to go with Jasper for years.
Enjoy being owned by your new cat, they do grow on you.
Dave.

Hi Hockey and Dave.

Dave, I was wondering about your greyhound/Yorkshire comment so took a look in google. I see what you mean now.
I saw some beautiful looking dogs on an adoption site from there too. I've never known anyone to have one for a pet. They had one called Mozart who was very handsome indeed.

Hockey, have fun with your kitty.

Oh Lara!
Popped off to the West Yorkshire Retired Greyhound Trust site and now I'm sad. Mozart is a handsome chap, as are Brett and Star - I would take all of them. The fate of these poor racing dogs is disgraceful when they have out-lived their usefullness. Thankfully there are rescuers like this over here.
I'll be happy with Jasper, who is currently curled up behind my legs on the bed as I lean on an elbow with my hand over one eye (double vision is bad and cluster headache makes sleep impossible), typing on my tablet with one finger.
…And yes, his head on my legs is tolerable.
Dave.

oh my goodness
NO DOUBT,NO QUESTION,NO DOUBT
HE IS AS ONE OF US
it will be your own personal loss
however much you put in it
is what it's all about
i was alpha
for 10 years
it was the most painful thing i have ever been put thru
the sobbing tears just could not believe i had to
give it to my epileptic daughter and her husband
i am in a building that will flux with what income
comes in
a blessing when we moved in one huge room for a year
one crooked landlord lost it a year after we moved in here
one room for a year and embarrassed them and got what me and my sixteen were entitled to with a free parking space
this made me happy to have received
but why did i have to go through all that turd
JUST ONE KISS
jeez
jeez
jeez jeez jeez enough
failed to answer your question
our dog a silky terrier
AND GOES TO THE BATHROOM IN
A LITTER BOX
yup no having to walk him out

i miss him soooooo much

my pets have a calming effect on me even if i am in alot of pain. i am still in pain but am glad to have them around. they are great to have especially when you're sick. hope you feel better soon.